Do Europeans Have Too Much Time for Holidays?

The answer may lie in the complex relationship between personal well-being, workplace expectations, and economic productivity. While many celebrate Europe’s commitment to rest and recuperation, others wonder if the pendulum has swung too far. Could it be that Europeans, in some ways, have too much holiday?

Europe’s generous leave policies reflect long-held cultural values. In countries like France, Spain, and Germany, vacations are seen not as luxuries but as essential for maintaining mental health, family cohesion, and overall quality of life. A typical European worker often expects four to six weeks of paid leave annually, on top of numerous public holidays. In contrast, the average American worker is lucky to receive two weeks, and many don’t take their full entitlement, often out of fear of falling behind or seeming uncommitted.

Yet, despite this disparity, a surprising number of Europeans still report feeling vacation-deprived. The rise of remote work and the erosion of traditional boundaries between office and home life have left many feeling that true disconnection is increasingly elusive. Even while taking time off, the pressure to remain available—checking emails, responding to urgent requests—is undermining the benefits of extended leave. This phenomenon, sometimes dubbed "work-cation," reflects a modern reality: vacation time, no matter how generous, is only as restorative as one’s ability to fully unplug.

From a worker’s perspective, the benefits of generous vacation policies are clear. Studies repeatedly show that time off boosts mental health, reduces burnout, and increases job satisfaction. Employees who take regular breaks return to work more focused and productive. There is also a societal benefit: healthier, happier workers contribute to stronger communities and more stable families. The European approach seems to recognize that humans are not machines—they need rest to function at their best.

But this focus on worker well-being comes with economic implications. Some economists argue that Europe’s extensive vacation policies contribute to slower economic growth. Compared to the United States, where productivity per worker remains high, many European economies have struggled to maintain competitive momentum. Fewer working hours mean less output, and for businesses operating on tight margins, extended employee absences can be disruptive. Small businesses, in particular, face challenges when key personnel are away for weeks at a time, impacting continuity and customer service.

Take, for instance, the manufacturing sector or service industries where consistency and reliability are critical. A small team’s productivity can falter when even one member is away for a long period. For larger companies, the issue is less acute, as they can redistribute workloads, but the overall effect on economic output remains. European governments, aware of this dynamic, have been discussing ways to boost workforce participation and extend working hours. The goal is to balance worker well-being with economic necessity, ensuring that Europe doesn’t fall further behind in global competitiveness.

This is not to say that Europe’s approach is inherently flawed. Rather, it underscores the complexity of finding an optimal balance. The United States, for all its economic dynamism, faces its own challenges. The American culture of overwork has led to widespread burnout, declining mental health, and a workforce that often feels perpetually exhausted. Busyness has become a status symbol, with employees wearing long hours like a badge of honor. But this comes at a cost: productivity gains made through sheer overwork are often short-lived, as burned-out employees become less effective over time.

Ultimately, the question of whether Europeans have too much holiday is less about the absolute number of days off and more about how those days are utilized and supported. If vacation time is frequently interrupted by work demands, its restorative effects are diminished. Conversely, if businesses can plan effectively for employee absences, the disruptions can be minimized. This requires a cultural shift on both sides: workers must feel empowered to disconnect fully, and employers must develop systems that allow operations to continue smoothly, even in their absence.

Perhaps the real lesson lies in balance. Neither the European model of extensive leave nor the American model of relentless work is perfect. The ideal system might lie somewhere in between, where workers have sufficient time to rest and recharge without compromising their company’s performance. For this to happen, both workers and businesses need to recognize that well-being and productivity are not mutually exclusive. In fact, they reinforce each other.

In an increasingly globalized and digitized world, where work can intrude on personal time regardless of location, the challenge is finding ways to protect the sanctity of rest. Whether in Europe or America, the ability to truly disconnect—to step away from the demands of work and return refreshed—is a crucial component of a healthy, sustainable workforce. Perhaps the question isn’t whether Europeans have too much holiday, but whether all of us are making the most of the time off we do have.